Paul Donald Wight II, or The Big Show, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina, and stands at an impressive height of 6′ 11¾” (2.13 m).
He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and has appeared on the network’s web television show, AEW Dark: Elevation.
In addition to his wrestling career, The Big Show has ventured into acting and appeared in a Netflix kids’ T.V. show called The Big Show Show. The show concluded with a Christmas special in 2020, featuring The Big Show alongside other talented actors in a fictionalized setting.
Profile
- Full Name: Paul Donald Wight II
- Nickname: Big Show
- Date of Birth: February 8, 1972
- Age: 52 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of Birth: Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Professional wrestler and actor
- Height: 7 feet 2 inches
- Parents: Paul Wight Sr.
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: Melissa Piavis (1997–2002), Bess Katramados (since 2002)
- Children: Cierra Wight, Jett Weight, Cash Wight
- Relationship Status: Married
- Net Worth: $16 million
Early Life and Education
Paul Donald Wight II, now 52, was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina. Growing up, he faced the challenges of acromegaly, which caused accelerated growth and contributed to his extraordinary height.
His early years were marked by determination and resilience. Although specific details about his mother and siblings are not widely known, Paul Wight Sr.
Wight attended Wichita State University, where he played college basketball before transferring to other schools. His athletic background laid the foundation for his future career in professional wrestling. The wrestling world first noticed him when he signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995.
Due to his imposing frame, he adopted the ring name “The Giant” and was even introduced as “the son of André the Giant.”
Personal Life
In 1997, Wight tied the knot with his first wife, Melissa Piavis. Their marriage ended in 2000, and they officially divorced in 2002. They share a daughter, Cierra Wight.
In 2002, he exchanged vows with his second wife, Bess Katramados. They have two children, Jett and Cash Wight, together. Wight has been a dedicated supporter of Special Olympics for many years, actively participating in events such as the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey and the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, where he was honored as WWE Goodwill Ambassador. Since 2018, he has taken on the Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International role.
Career
Wight invested $5,000 (equivalent to $10,278 in 2023) to undergo training at Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory.
However, due to Sharpe’s gout, he received minimal training, with Johnny Polo teaching him the collar-and-elbow tie-up.
His first match occurred on December 3, 1994, at a World Wrestling Association (WWA) event in Clementon, New Jersey, where he suffered a count-out loss to WWA Heavyweight Champion Frank Finnegan.
When Wight expressed interest in joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) at an autograph session, he was turned away by promoter and scout Bob Collins due to his lack of experience.
Despite this setback, Wight created an audition tape during his time at the Monster Factory and gave it to Mike Chioda, who passed it on to Pat Patterson.
However, Patterson initially dismissed the tape, mistaking Wight for another wrestler, Kurrgan. It wasn’t until The Giant’s debut in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) that Patterson realized his mistake, much to Vince McMahon’s displeasure.
While working for a karaoke company, Wight crossed paths with WCW wrestler Hulk Hogan through a mutual acquaintance, Danny Bonaduce.
Impressed by Wight’s crowd interaction during an informal basketball game, Hogan recommended him to WCW’s vice president, Eric Bischoff. This ultimately led to Wight meeting wrestling legends like Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Paul Orndorff and securing a deal with WCW.
Wight officially signed with WCW in 1995 and debuted at Slamboree in May. Initially billed as the son of André the Giant, Wight adopted the ring name “The Giant” and became a prominent member of Kevin Sullivan’s faction.
Controversy
Big Show was implicated in the Biogenesis probe, also referred to as “Operation Strikeout” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This investigation focused on the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). It involved 21 Major League Baseball players, including Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, and Ryan Braun, who were suspended.
The probe also resulted in the conviction of Tony Bosch, a self-proclaimed biochemist, for providing PEDs to numerous athletes.
ESPN obtained documents that mentioned Wight alongside other athletes and entertainers, including boxer Shannon Briggs and athletics trainer David Alexander. The documents allege that Bosch claimed Wight requested stronger drugs.
Social Media
- Instagram: @wwethebigshow
- Twitter: @WWETheBigShow
Filmography
- The Waterboy
- Jingle All the Way
- Vendetta
- Knucklehead
Awards and Nominations
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated: Rookie of the Year (1996), Wrestler of the Year (1996), King of Cable (1996), and Bracket Rights (2010)
- World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE: ECW World Championship (1 time), World Heavyweight Championship (2 times), and 24th Triple Crown (13 Grand Slam)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Rookie of the Year (1996) and Worst Feud of the Year (1999)
- 2013: “This is Awesome” Moment of the year for knocking out Triple H on Raw
- 2014: “Match of the Year” award for wrestling at Survivor Series for team Cena against Team Authority
Net Worth
Big Show’s net worth is estimated at around $16 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful wrestling career, lucrative contracts, merchandise sales, and endorsement deals.
Additionally, his ventures into acting and other entertainment projects have contributed to his financial success.
